NFL: Panthers, league monitoring protests in advance of Sunday game

A protester, center, yells to other protesters as Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers, left, look on in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday. (Jeff Siner / The Charlotte Observer)

Thomas Davis said the Carolina Panthers' game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings should "absolutely" be played as scheduled, even with the city being under a state of emergency due to violent protests over a recent police shooting.

The All-Pro linebacker said football has a unique way of bringing people together and believes the game is something the community needs.

"If you take this game away I think it going to just continue to add to the stress and add to what is already going on in a negative way," Davis said Thursday.

Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency in Charlotte on Wednesday night and has sent the National Guard and state troopers in to help restore peace after two nights of looting and rioting.

Kelly: Kap highlighting issue that needs addressing

San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly said that Colin Kaepernick's protest during the national anthem is bringing attention to an issue that needs addressing.

"You look at what's gone on in Tulsa and Charlotte the last two nights, it's an issue that's at the forefront of our country," Kelly said. "It needs to be addressed, it needs to be taken care of. Because what's going on is not right. So, I think, again, (Kaepernick) is shedding light on the situation that is heinous and shouldn't happen in this country. We all have inalienable rights as a citizen of this country. They're being violated and that's what I think Colin is standing up for."

Advertisement

Jets' Decker practices on limited basis, Marshall sits again

New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting out with a sore shoulder, while Brandon Marshall was out for a second straight day because of knee and foot ailments.

Decker says that he'll "be ready to go" against the Chiefs on Sunday in Kansas City.

Marshall appears to be more of an uncertainty and could be a game-time decision, although he said earlier in the week that he hopes to play.

Browns' Coleman to miss at least a month

Rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman does not need surgery on his broken hand, a small but sorely needed positive for the Browns.

Coleman, who scored two touchdowns last weekend, will miss at least one month after breaking his hand during practice on Wednesday, the latest setback to a team reeling from injuries to two starting quarterbacks in the season's first two weeks.

The first-round pick visited a hand specialist Thursday. Coleman does not need an operation, but will need four to six weeks to recover.

Judge: Some St. Louis seat-license holders have rights in L.A.

A federal judge has ruled that the NFL's Rams must grant season tickets to some people who bought personal seat licenses while the team was still in St. Louis, even though the team is now in Los Angeles.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr. also said Wednesday that the Rams must refund deposits for other people who bought PSLs in St. Louis. About 46,000 people had PSLs, which give the holder the right to purchase season tickets, for the St. Louis Rams, some at a cost of up to $1,000.

David Bohm, attorney for some of the plaintiffs, said the ruling was vindication for St. Louis PSL holders.

Notable

Outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield believes one week of practice will have him ready to play in the Falcons' game at New Orleans on Monday night. ... Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert returned to practice this week, though on a limited basis. He was sidelined for offseason workouts and training camp while recovering from surgery for a torn ligament in his left ankle. ... Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Jones has been added to the injury report with an ankle injury.

Boulder is pretty good at producing rock bands, and by "rock," we mean the in-your-face, guitar-heavy, leather-clad variety — you know, the good kind. For a prime example, look no farther than BANDITS. Full Story